Trust me, visiting new ice cream stores is not what I consider trouble.

Anyhoo, Mason and I went to buy Ralph’s gift certificate Saturday night. We got to meet Neo himself, and found the store well-stocked with high octane ice cream and a wide range of frozen yogurts, too. Some are sugar-free, fat-free, lactose-free and cholesterol-free, and the idea is that anybody, no matter what their dietary needs, can enjoy a cup or a cone that will make them smile.

Neo is from Singapore, works crazy hours, and dreams of more yogurt shops scattered around the city. Until that dream comes true, his address is 1918 Fountainview Drive, Houston.

By the bye, Neo’s is in a little strip shopping center, and at one end is a restaurant called La Vista. I‘ve never tried it, but it was packed when we walked by. And in between La Vista (their slogan is, “where it’s all good,”) is Lineva, a store that specializes in gifts, stationery and, from a quick peek in the window, dozens and dozens of purses. That’s run by Minna Neo, Neo’s wife.

Minna is a fashion expert, Neo says. He says his wife can take one look at a person and know his or her size.

If you’ve discovered any places that lifted your Middle Lane spirits, tell about them right here. I’m sure they could all use a little encouragement.